Health and Wellness Services

History of the Games

Forty-five years ago this fall, a Western Illinois University physical education professor's vision of an
Olympics-inspired event for adults over 50 came to life with the first-ever Senior Olympics (now called
Senior Games) on Western's Macomb campus the following spring. Four-plus decades later, the weekend
event continues, with the 2026 Senior Games set for April 24-25.

The games were founded in Fall 1980 by the Men's Physical Education Department Chair George
Hermann, who passed away at the age of 98 on Jan. 14, 2018. The first regional games were held in
Spring 1981 on WIU's campus. Hermann also served as the state coordinator for the Illinois Regional
Senior Olympics for 23 years, and set, and held, two records in the Illinois State Senior Olympics for
many years.

"The new name change achieves the goal of being more inclusive for promoting greater camaraderie and
community, while challenging ageism. We recognize that some individuals are not comfortable in a
competitive environment, yet still recognize the importance of regular physical activity and exercise for
lifelong health and wellness," said WIU Kinesiology Professor Tammi Bories, who is the Senior Games
coordinator. "We applaud and encourage these goals just as much as those that are of a competitive
nature."

According to Bories, the Senior Games' overall goals are to recognize continued preparation, performance
and desire to lead a healthy lifestyle; bring individuals with similar goals and interests together to expand
friendship networks, and showcase talents before an audience of fellow competitors, friends and student
volunteers and to gain an appreciation for a commitment to lifelong physical activity and fitness.
Seventy-seven-year-old Mary Clark, a WIU alumnus, is a long-time Senior Olympics/Games participant,
participating for at least 20 of the program's 44 years. She holds records in the high jump (2004), hammer
throw (2013), shot put (2025), javelin (2025) and free style swimming (2025). Clark said she has
participated over the years for her health.

"I thought it would make me live longer and healthier, and it worked until about two years ago. I had to
have my hip replaced last year and I'm getting treatment for my neck now," she said with a laugh. "It
might come full circle to bite me, but it has been a lot of fun going down that road. I've really done this
essentially for my health and wellness, to meet friends and influence my enemies."

Even with the recent injuries, Clark plans on being back this coming spring "the Good Lord willing and
the creek don't rise." Her journey into athletics actually began 20 years ago, in her 50s, when she took part
in her first Senior Games, along with her older brother, John. "I didn't participate as a young woman in
sports in high school or college because Title IX wasn't a thing back then," she explained. "But my
brothers – three older and one younger – were all athletes when we were growing up, and when John told
me he was coming here to do the Senior Games 20 years ago, I decided to join him and I started with the
shot put and high jump."

Her goal this year is to set another record in the hammer throw.

By Darcie Shinberger